Lemurs

Wild lemurs are typically found in tropical rain forests and dry thorn brushes throughout Madagascar, but you can watch them play at Jambo Junction or the Edge of Africa at Busch Gardens® Tampa.

A lemur, also known as a prosimian, is an active, tree-dwelling primate whose fur is soft and ranges in color from reddish brown to gray and black. Their nose and whiskers are similar to those of a cat, and they maintain primitive primate features such as a small brain and prominent nose. Wild lemurs can be found in tropical rain forests and dry thorn brushes throughout Madagascar; specific ranges vary according to the different lemur species. A lemur’s diet is predominantly vegetation such as fruit, leaves and flowers, but they do occasionally consume insects and small vertebrates. There are distinct male and female hierarchies within a lemur troop; however, female lemurs always win in the case of territory or other disputes within a society.

A Closer Look

Lemurs are extremely social animals. They communicate with other animals via their sense of smell. In order to mark their territories, lemurs use their special scent glands, located on their wrists and bottoms, to leave scent trails on branches along their territory.

Ask An Educator

Q: What purpose does a lemur’s thick, bushy tail serve?

BG: When a lemur feels threatened, it uses its thick, bushy tail to serve as a visual signal. A lemur’s tail also serves as a balancing mechanism for when it leaps through the trees.

Q: How does a female lemur carry her newborn baby?

BG: Until the newborn is able to cling to the fur on her mother’s stomach or back, the female lemur carries her baby in her mouth.

Q: Why do lemurs’ soft, broad fingers and toes have flat nails?

BG: This feature allows them to grip objects as well as groom other lemurs.